Every time before I visit a new country or a new city, I first read about its history and culture, current economic and political situation. I did that also about Thessaloniki, Greece, since I wanted to be prepared for the objects of my photographic art.
The White Tower of Thessaloniki in the past
What I’ve learned about the symbol of region Macedonia’s capital city is that in ancient times on the place of the White Tower there has been a Byzantine fortification. In the 15th century, when the city fell under Ottoman Rule, the construction has been used as a prison and also as a place for mass executions, which explains why its name was ‘The Red Tower’ then.
Thessaloniki White Tower transformation
As soon as the Greeks were free from the Ottoman Rule in the beginning of the 20th century, they whitened the construction and gave it the name “The White Tower”, as a symbolic purification from the burden of the past. This particular night view of the Tower was captured from the Leof. Nikis Street.
If you have travelled to Thessaloniki, Greece, then you have probably attended the Museum of the Waterfront, which collection is placed inside the White Tower of Thessaloniki. We didn’t have time to do that but hopefully – next time.
